NBA – Eric Bledsoe Trade Scenarios

This is not to be taken too seriously, but with one simple tweet, Eric Bledsoe is seemingly ready to exit the dumpster fire that is the Phoenix Suns.

I have gone through every NBA team where Bledsoe would be an upgrade over it’s current starting point guard and came up with trade scenarios, using the ESPN NBA Trade Machine.

Keep in mind that teams trading disgruntled players are usually reamed in trade discussions. The best the Suns can hope to get is a rotation guy, expiring contract and/or a protected pick. Not all of these trades would make sense for one or both teams.

What deal do you like the most for Phoenix? Which one would be the most realistic?

Let’s do this!

Brooklyn Nets

The Suns do not get much here, but get out from under Tyson Chandler’s contract, though they have to absorb Jeremy Lin’s. Whitehead could be an eventual rotation piece, and Booker is a nice expiring contract.

As for the Nets, Bledsoe and D’Angelo Russell could be the foundation of a very explosive back court in Brooklyn. Throw in Caris LeVert and Allen Crabbe, and Brooklyn should score a lot of points.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are well under the salary cap, so they can easily absorb Bledsoe’s contract. Lauri Markkanen is playing well, making Bobby Portis expendable, and Cameron Payne does not look like an NBA guard. Chicago seems to be dedicated to the tank and rebuild, making a trade for Bledsoe extremely unlikely.

Of course, there is not much of a reason for the Suns to make this trade either. Portis and Payne will top out as average bench players, though they do get so save some money long term.

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons would probably be all over this deal, even if Smith and Leuer are key pieces of the rotation. Getting out of Jackson’s contract would be worth it.

It would be tough to convince Phoenix to trade Bledsoe for Jackson, who is a headache and would be a big problem on a losing team. The only way I could see the Suns talking is if Detroit took back several bad contracts.

A trade involving Andre Drummond and Eric Bledsoe could make more sense.

Indiana Pacers

This would not be a bad move for the Pacers, who do not want to go the full flat out rebuild mode. Young is a nice player but the combination of TJ Leaf and Domantas Sobonis could do just fine at the four. A back court of Bledsoe and Victor Oladipo would be a lot of fun.

The Suns do not get a young piece back here, but Young and Joseph would both immediately start, and could help the Suns if they want to win some games.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are rumored to be interested in Bledsoe and this would be a solid move for them. Chandler should be a better fit as a backup big man than Monroe, and a Bledsoe/Malcolm Brogdon backcourt would be very intriguing.

This could be one of the best deals the Suns receive, as well. Most of the boxes are checked. They get a large expiring contract and a young player in return.

Orlando Magic

This would make the Magic a team worth watching on NBA League Pass at least. Bledsoe would be able to score in a way that no one on the Orlando roster can.

This also would be a nice haul for Phoenix. Payton probably is what he is but could hold down the fort until someone better comes along, and Hezonja does have talent, but seems to have worn out his welcome in Orlando.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are running the offense through Nikola Jokic, but imagine adding Bledsoe to a team featuring Joker, Millsap, Chandler, Harris and Murray. They would be much watch TV and an elite offensive team. Denver has as much depth as any team in the league and are in great position to make a deal.

Out of all the teams that seem to need a point guard upgrade, the Nuggets could be in the best position to make a deal. Faried’s contract is very team friendly, but he has fallen out of favor in Denver. Mudiay is the type of reclamation project a rebuilding team like the Suns could take on. Beasley (or Tyler Lydon) are first round picks who are simply buried on a very deep bench.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers move some team friendly contracts acquired from the Chris Paul trade for a player they originally drafted. This would definitely help Los Angeles but would Bledsoe have any interest in returning to the Clippers?

This would make sense for the Suns only if they wanted to shed salary, as Williams is on an expiring deal and the other contracts are very team friendly. Dekker could have a future with the team but Phoenix would likely buy out Williams and Beverley.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder already have an elite point guard but you can not make any trade scenario posts without including Oklahoma City. This would make quite the five headed monster with Westbrook, Bledsoe, Anthony, George and Adams, with Roberson, Patterson and Felton coming off the bench.

Would Phoenix have any interest in this? Abrines and Ferguson are intriguing young players and they do get a first round pick out of it. There are worse offers out there.

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